Newly inaugurated President Donald Trump wasted no time in making good on his promise to visit disaster areas in North Carolina on Friday.
The president also said he is I'm considering Removes the federal emergency management agency after harsh criticism for its ineffective response to the region's hurricane disaster. Trump slammed former President Joe Biden and his administration over FEMA's incompetence in the 2024 presidential election.
“It's very bureaucratic. And it's very slow.”
Trump spoke to reporters after landing near Asheville and touring the damage from Hurricane Helen. He characterized FEMA as a “huge disappointment” and said he was considering replacing it with a more state-based effort.
“FEMA is not doing the job. We are looking at the whole concept of FEMA explained.
“It's very bureaucratic. And it's very slow. Other than that, we're very happy with them. 'Let the state take care of tornadoes and hurricanes and all the other things that happen. .”
Trump does receive Briefing about recovery efforts at Fletcher before meeting with families affected by Swannanoa.
Witnesses on the ground like Matt Van Swole have documented the devastation and neglect since the hurricane struck.
Residents have publicly criticized the response as well as the lack of coverage from mainstream media.
“We've seen people living in trailers that have been condemned where they have raw sewage under their trailers,” said Ian Monley with Valley Strong Disaster Relief. . “We've seen people living in tents. We've seen people living in cars. Usually we see FEMA trailers rolling around, allowing people to live.
Van Swol says Trump supports getting rid of FEMA.
North Carolina's newly elected Democratic governor, Josh Stein, praised the president on the trip.
“I think it’s very good news for the people of Western North Carolina that this issue is on the new administration’s mind,” he said.
On his way to North Carolina, Trump promise North Carolinians while speaking with reporters.
“We're going to fix it. It should have been done months ago,” he said.
Hurricane Helen claimed the lives of more than 100 Americans and damaged more than 73,000 homes in North Carolina and the Greater Region. One estimate puts the cost of the hurricane at more than $59.6 billion.
After the trip to North Carolina, the president plans to visit another disaster area in southern California, where fires are raging.
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